‘We Will Ensure Speedy Passage Of 2016 Budget’

SENATE President Bukola Saraki yesterday reassured that next year’s Budget proposal before the two chambers of the National Assembly would be accorded speedy passage to ensure its smooth implementation.

Saraki, who joined other Nigerians to pay Christmas homage to President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja gave the reassurance while fielding questions from State House correspondents at the end of the visit.

According to him, next year’s fiscal policy thrust is a good document aimed at tackling the country’s problems.

He, however, called on the executive arm of government to guard against bureaucratic bottleneck in the implementation of the budget, when passed into law.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported him as saying: “We are going to work on the budget as quick as possible. We are conscious of its importance to Nigeria and we are not going to waste time.

“As soon as we come back, we get down to work and do what we have to do.

“It is a good document; it has addressed the major issues, 70 per cent capital and infrastructure. The key issues now are really implementation.

“We, as a National Assembly (NASS), will ensure that we get our oversight right.

“By and large, as a document, it is a good document and I am sure it will not have too much difficulty passing through the NASS.

“The key issue is implementation to ensure that the bureaucracy does not kill the joy of the implementation of the budget. We will do our part,” he assured.

He also assured that the National Assembly would continue to perform its legislative duties aimed at addressing the security and socio-economic challenges facing the country.

Saraki said Nigerians must continue to be thankful to God for sparing their lives and the country and expressed optimism that the country would soon overcome its problems.